FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
The Final Five
CHICAGO (August 2, 2011) -
Today, a lineup of celebrity judges, including beauty and style innovator Mario Tricoci, selected five finalists for the fourth annual Mario, Make Me a Model competition. Juni Juhyun Park (Skokie, IL), Mercedes Janell Johnson (Chicago, IL), Lynn Michelle Tatge (Mount Prospect, IL), Zachary Ross (Chicago, IL), and Alexandra Grace Cangelosi (Orland Park, IL) made the cut after strutting their stuff in a runway competition at the Chicago Cultural Center.
The Mario, Make Me a Model finalists will be transformed during the program’s two-month training before walking the runway with professional models at Fashion Focus Chicago in October as the final challenge in the competition. The finalists were chosen from a roster of 38 semi-finalists and nearly 500 entrants overall.
“These five finalists have tremendous potential to become professional models and we can’t wait to start the transformation. This is where the fun -- and hard work -- really begin,” Tricoci said. “I think you’ll be amazed by the difference when the finalists take to the runway in October at Fashion Focus Chicago.”
All Mario, Make Me a Model finalistswill receive a makeover from Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, runway instruction by Factor Women, and personal training with Fitness Formula Clubs. They will appear in a 15-second commercial on CBS2 Chicago; take part in a photo shoot with photographer Matt Ferguson for a two-page spread in Michigan Avenue magazine; and walk in a major runway show with professional models. Finalists will also receive a three-year subscription to Michigan Avenue magazine; Lululemon workout gear; and flip video cameras to document the journey.
In addition to the finalist prize package, the winner of Mario, Make Me a Model will receive consideration for a contract with Factor Women and a five-night Apple Vacations trip for two to Riu Palace Las Americas in Cancun, Mexico, which includes meals and drinks at the resort, round-trip airfare, and limousine transportation to Chicago O’Hare for the trip. The winner will also receive $500 in COSE cosmetics from Mario Tricoci; a year’s supply of vitaminwater; and a one-year membership to Fitness Formula Clubs.
Six areas influence Mario Tricoci’s final decision on a winner: makeover results; the fashion shoot; the TV spot; fitness training; their runway walk; and the public vote. The general public can begin voting for their favorite finalist online or via text on Aug. 8; visit www.mariomakemeamodel.com for details on both voting options.
Mario, Make Me a Model provides five aspiring models with the platform they need to make their modeling mark. The program’s five finalists undergo a two-month model transformation and hone their skills through appearances in local TV commercials, a magazine fashion spread, and on the runway during a professional fashion show. While there’s only one Mario, Make Me a Model winner, all finalists are considered for modeling contracts. Since the program’s inception in 2008, nearly 2,000 contestants have attended the open model calls. With five finalists selected each year, the program has launched the careers of more than half of these young women and men who have gone on to work as professional models.
About Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas
Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas, voted Chicago’s best hair salon by Allure magazine and selected by Chicagoans in a FOX News poll as the number one spa in Chicago, operates 18 Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Day Spa locations and Mario Tricoci Too Hair Salons in Illinois and Kansas. Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas have been leaders in luxury hair styling and spa services for more than 30 years. The company offers an extensive menu of the best in hair, skin and body care, as well as custom make- up and nail services. Mario Tricoci Hair Salons & Day Spas maintains a highly-skilled team and remains the leader in personal care services and treatments. For more information please visit www.tricoci.com. Make appointments online or by calling 847/202-1900.
CBS Chicago